STATESBORO– Aided by a match-high 15 kills by freshman Reagan Barth, Georgia Southern volleyball (1-0) dominated East Carolina (1-1) in straight sets, 25-16, 26-24 and 25-23.

"I thought it was a good match in a lot of ways," head coach Chad Willis said. "It was good to get the exhibition [against Furman] under our belt because I thought it paid dividends today. I'm proud of the resiliency in set two to fight back, it was a great performance all the way around."

The Eagles charged to an 8-2 spread early in the first frame, featuring two blocks by Jillian Gray. Several different Eagles got on the board with kills in the first set as the squad jumped to a 25-16 win and a 1-0 advantage.

The second set was not as easy, as the home team trailed by as much as three, including a 23-20 deficit late. With their backs against the wall, Barth tallied a pair of kills, and ace, and was the winning serve for the decisive 26th point.

GS once again stormed to a huge lead in the third set, going on a 7-0 run to open things. Barth had six of her 15 kills in the final set, including not surprisingly the match point, topping the Pirates 25-23.

Barth opened her collegiate career with a 15-kill, 9-dig performance.

"The entire summer, we worked on our team culture and connectivity," Barth said. "I really think that showed tonight, and I'm super excited for the rest of the season."

Gray, Ailie Hair, Paige Powers and Jordan Christy each had five or more kills, while Kirsten Barrett led the way with 18 assists. Ashlyn Lovett contributed a match-high 17 digs, while Gray's three total blocks paced the Eagles.

Georgia Southern once again has the night game on Saturday, hosting UNCG at 5:00 p.m. ECU will face off against the Spartans in the matinee at noon.